While Pei Ruoqing was in deep trouble, Chu Junyi was in the office. She was so worried that her hair was about to fall out. She had asked Wang Shaoqian and Tao Yeyu, and their answers were similar to the ones in the office. If she continued to ask, the two of them would not say a word. Pei Ruoqing did not explain much, and Wei Tiedai wanted to protect Guo Haoran. It was really worrying.
What was worse was that the surveillance camera at the stairs couldn't capture it. She really liked this child, and she couldn't just watch him get a demerit, right? However, things had already come to this. Unless there was very strong evidence, there was really nothing she could do.
"Yes, strong evidence. Although there are no surveillance cameras installed at the stairs, there is a camera that might capture it.”Chu Junyi sat up straight and slammed the table, her voice filled with excitement.
After saying that, she rushed to the surveillance room and pulled up the surveillance footage of that area just before the security guards got off work. Fortunately, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China's surveillance equipment was high-definition and recorded, so it happened to capture that small area. However, since she did not know the exact time, she could only watch it from 4:30.
"Teacher Chu, why are you in such a hurry? Did something happen?”The security guard on duty asked.
Chu Junyi stared intently at the surveillance screen and said without turning her head," Nothing much. I just lost the ring my lover gave me. I thought about it and it must have fallen there."”Chu Junyi lied without blushing.
The security guard looked surprised." I didn't expect you to have a lover at such a young age. I thought you were single."”
Chu Junyi smiled." Mr. He, it seems like it's time to get off work. I'll go back after I'm done watching the surveillance cameras. If there's nothing else, why don't you go back first?" I won't waste your time."
The security guard called Xiao He smiled awkwardly." Then I'll go back first. Teacher Chu, just lock the door when you leave."”
"Alright."
Not long after Little He left, Pei Ruoqing's figure appeared in the surveillance camera. Following that, Guo Haoran also appeared in the surveillance camera. Pei Ruoqing carried a pile of teaching materials in her arms and quickly walked to the stairs. Guo Haoran and the others followed behind. When Pei Ruoqing had just climbed three or four steps, Guo Haoran and the others looked at each other and quickly caught up to Pei Ruoqing. They pushed him hard. Pei Ruoqing was caught off guard and fell on the stairs. The fall did not look light.
Chu Junyi's eyes widened. Everything that happened next made her so angry that her scalp went numb. She really didn't expect a child in his teens to say such vicious words. Wei Tiedai was even more outrageous. As a teacher, he actually spoke to a child like this and even distorted the truth after the incident.
Chu Junyi quickly copied the footage and left the monitoring room.
An Chengxi deliberately got off work early today and bought his wife's favorite dessert. However, when he got home, he found that his wife was not back yet.
An Chengxi placed the desserts in the fridge. Just as he was about to call Chu Junyi, he saw his wife return with an angry aura.
An Chengxi was a little confused." What's wrong with Madam? Who made you angry?”Chu Junyi was a cheerful person and rarely got angry. She had never looked so angry before.
"A few brats and a bastard. Damn it, Ruoqing has such a good temper. If it were me, I would beat him up until his mother doesn't recognize him.”Chu Junyi clenched her teeth and said.
"What happened? Isn't Ruoqing your class monitor? Does it have anything to do with him?"
" Yes." Chu Junyi sat on the sofa and recounted what had happened. She was so angry that she clenched her fists and pounded the sofa a few times.
An Chengxi couldn't help but frown. He watched as his wife hammered the sofa and swallowed her saliva. She mourned for the teacher and the students for three seconds.
However, such a person was indeed not worthy of being his teacher. If he did not know about it, it would be fine. If he did not do anything even after knowing about it, he would be ashamed to be the disciple of the principal of the education world.
Thus, in the next few days, Wei Tiedai was dismissed at an unbelievable speed. An Chengxi, Pei Yuanshao, and even Shi Yihong felt strange.
However, his current task was to appease his wife first. It was not worth getting angry over such a person.
Pei Yuanshao had not eaten with Pei Ruoqing for a long time. Even if they did, they were rarely calm. Only now did he realize that Pei Ruoqing had carved etiquette into her bones as she walked.
It was also at this moment that he realized that Ruo 'er and his teacher were very similar, almost having the same elegant feeling.
This elegance seemed to have invaded his bones, densely covering every careless gesture. When interacting with others, it made people feel more comfortable and increase their favorable impression.
The only difference was that Shi Yanjie's elegance was more gentle, while Pei Ruoqing's elegance was more cold. This coldness was not abrupt, but it added to her nobility.
Pei Ruoqing endured his father's gaze and calmly drank half a bowl of porridge. She rejected Shi Yunshu's suggestion to eat more.
He put down his chopsticks and prepared to go to school. Shi Yunshu did not have classes this morning and would not be with him.
"Little Ruo." Shi Yunshu stopped Pei Ruoqing.
"What's wrong, brother?" Pei Ruoqing turned around and asked Shi Yunshu.
"I'll help you apply for leave. Are you resting at home today?”
Pei Ruoqing was a little stunned. Then, she replied," No need, I'm fine.”
Shi Yunshu wanted to say something but hesitated. He was worried about Pei Ruoqing. He knew very well how his injuries were. Although it was not to the extent that he could not get out of bed, it would definitely affect his movements.
"Don't force yourself. If you're not feeling well, rest at home.”Pei Yuan Shao put down his chopsticks and said.
"I won't." Pei Ruoqing replied faintly.
Pei Yuan Shao looked at his son's indifferent expression and was slightly worried. He had seen the changes in Pei Ruoqing these days. Although on the surface, she seemed to be more obedient and obedient than before, but if one looked carefully, one would realize that he was missing…anger, yes, anger. He looked a little lifeless.
This son of his was too sensitive and smart. Both of them were good things individually and together, they were not bad either. However, when it came to Pei Ruoqing, it might not be a good thing…
He wanted to talk to him, but after so many years of estrangement and distance, it was like a deep ditch between the father and son. He could not cross it, and Pei Ruoqing was unwilling to do so.
Pei Ruoqing stood there and looked at Shi Yunshu's worried eyes and Pei Yuanshao's eyes. Her expression was as calm as ever.
Hence, the dining room fell into a short silence. The only person who could lighten the atmosphere, Song Yuyan, had gone to the law firm early in the morning. Otherwise, she might have gotten angry with Pei Yuanshao when she saw Pei Ruoqing like this.
Seeing that the two of them did not speak anymore, Pei Ruoqing bowed slightly. Just as she was about to leave the restaurant, Shi Yunshu's phone suddenly rang. Shi Yunshu stopped what he wanted to say and took out his phone to look at the caller ID. Shi Yunshu was slightly surprised and swiped the answer button.
"Hello, Teacher Chu. What's the matter?”
"It's like this, Mr. Yun Shu. I found the surveillance footage from yesterday. Can you take the time to come to the school again today? If you want to pursue the responsibility of Guo Haoran and Director Wei, it's best if your parents come forward.”
"Investigate responsibility?" Shi Yunshu lost his composure and his voice was a little unsteady as he looked at Pei Ruoqing in shock.
"Yes, it's not convenient to talk about it over the phone…"
Shi Yunshu had put the phone on speaker so Pei Yuanshao and Pei Ruoqing heard the contents of the call.
Pei Yuan Shao looked at Pei Ruoqing. His face was expressionless, but it was obvious that he was not as relaxed as before.
Pei Ruoqing looked at the two of them and only frowned slightly. Then, she returned to her calm appearance. Then, she raised her hand, which was on silent mode and was vibrating, and gestured for herself to answer a call.
"Teacher Lin, why are you calling me so early?”
"Humph! Why? Can't I call you for no reason? You heartless little thing, you didn't even know to call me.”The old man on the other end of the phone snorted and deliberately dragged out his tone.
"I'm just afraid that you'll be busy and disturb you. Also, you know that I rarely use my phone.”Pei Ruoqing stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room and looked outside through the glass. Her voice was a little gentler.
"Who are you calling an old man? And I'm just a retired idle person. What can happen to me?”
"Ruoqing said the wrong thing. You're still young.”
Lin Zhengyang paused on the other end of the phone." You're so young, but you're so old-fashioned all the time. Where did you learn that from? You can't even crack a joke. How are you going to find a girlfriend in the future?"”
Pei Ruoqing was speechless.
"Teacher Lin, you…"
"Hahaha, alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. I called you because I have something to do.”
"You should have received the news as well. Beijing is going to hold a Go exchange match with Country H and Country R in three days. The age of the participants is under 17. According to reliable sources, Country H and Country R have sent two genius Go players each. As you know, China's Go has been in a slump in recent years. There are not many people in the entire Go team who can perform. Although it's just an exchange match, it's still something that belongs to our ancestors. We can't lose face overseas. There aren't many people my age who can beat you, so you're the most suitable. I happen to have a recommendation spot in my hand, so I thought it would be best if you could go.”
" Teacher Lin, I…" Before Pei Ruoqing could finish, Lin Zhengyang interrupted him. What a joke. If he didn't interrupt him, this matter would be over.
"Don't be in a hurry to reject me. I know you don't like this kind of occasion, but if it weren't for the fact that my country's chances of winning are too low, I wouldn't have come looking for you.”
Pei Ruoqing pursed her lips. Since she had already said this, he definitely could not reject her anymore. Furthermore, Teacher Lin had helped him a lot.
"Grandpa Lin, you're being too serious. Don't worry, I'll do my best in the competition and not embarrass our country.”
"I'm relieved to hear that. Alright, I won't bother you so early in the morning. Don't always be so picky with your food. You must eat on time. Look at how skinny you are. Aren't you afraid of being blown away by the wind?”
"I will. Take care of your health and drink less.”
"Alright, alright. You're still worrying about me. When you come to Beijing, come and stay with me for a few more days. Your Grandma Lin has been nagging about you many times.”
"Alright."
Pei Ruoqing had just hung up and had yet to put away her phone when Ansu called.
"What's wrong with you? It's early in the morning, but your phone is busy.”
"Teacher Lin called. He wants me to participate in the Go tournament held in Beijing, and I agreed.”
"Hmm? You actually agreed. I thought you would reject it. That's good. You should go out and play more, participate in some competitions, and at the same time, show those foreigners what the strength of a young man from Country H is like.”An Su said proudly.
Pei Ruoqing felt a little helpless." You have so much confidence in me. What if I lose?”
"With your strength, if you lose, they will definitely play dirty. Besides, who said that you must win? In my opinion, your happiness is the most important. Don't always give yourself so much pressure.”
Pei Ruoqing smiled." What if I don't work harder and can't afford to eat in the future?”
"Are you treating me like I don't exist? With me around, you won't be wronged.”
"I'm just joking. How's the investigation going?”
"Hmph, luckily you asked me to investigate the Guo family. Otherwise, I would have worked with them. Although it's only a small project and I don't have to do anything, it's disgusting enough. None of those bastards were good people. They were evil from the roots. Other than the few young old things, all of them had been sued for murder. The reason why they didn't expose it was because they suppressed it. The company even evaded taxes. As for that Wei Tiedai, he was not a good person either.”An Su took a sip of water and continued.
" He even took advantage of his position to accept bribes from parents. He even used his grades and demerits to threaten students with good grades and no background. I've investigated dozens of them. The girl who committed suicide last year should be his victim. Unfortunately, he wasn't found.”
Pei Ruoqing frowned." Pass this information to the relevant departments and try not to get involved in these matters.”
"Are you still worried about me doing things? Alright, I'm going to get busy. I won't talk to you for now. I'll tell you about the follow-up when I have news.”
"Yes."
When Pei Ruoqing finished the call and returned to the dining room, it was already half an hour later. Pei Yuanshao and Shi Yunshu were still sitting there and had not left. The food on the table was the same as when he went to answer the call. It seemed that the two of them had not touched it.
Pei Ruoqing stopped in her tracks when she saw the two of them looking at her with dark eyes and ugly expressions.
He had also heard a few words from Teacher Chu on the phone. It was about yesterday's matter, but hadn't this matter been resolved? He had apologized and accepted his punishment. He had also written a 5,000-word self-reflection. Did he miss something? Otherwise, why would his father and brother look so upset?
Pei Ruoqing hesitated for a moment before asking," Dad, Brother, why are you still here? Is it because the matter at school yesterday has not been resolved yet?”
Shi Yunshu only looked at Pei Ruoqing and did not say anything. His expression was extremely ugly.
"Xiao Ruo, let me ask you again. What happened at school yesterday? Why did you talk to the teacher like that and why did you fight?”Pei Yuan Shao's tone was calm, but it carried a hint of impending danger.
"I was too impulsive, that's why I attacked those students. I shouldn't have said that to Teacher. I'm sorry.”
The veins on Pei Yuan Shao's forehead throbbed. He rubbed his forehead and his voice was a little angry." When did I teach you to avoid the important and the trivial when the elders asked you questions?”
"Little Ruo, what Martial Uncle wants you to answer is what happened, not whether you should be impulsive or not.”
Pei Ruoqing blinked slowly. She was a little confused but still answered," Yesterday, I…"
Following Pei Ruoqing's narration, Pei Yuanshao and Shi Yunshu's expressions turned even uglier. He stopped and looked at Pei Yuanshao's clenched hands that were hanging by the side. Under Pei Yuanshao's signal, he continued in a calm tone," It's just that you're someone that your parents don't like…Who asked you to be a jinx…Or did you have a mother who gave birth to you but didn't raise you?"”
The corners of Shi Yunshu's eyes were slightly red, and his lips were tightly pursed together. One of his hands gripped the edge of the table, and his knuckles were white.
Pei Yuanshao and Shi Yunshu looked at Pei Ruoqing and realized that his expression and gaze had not changed at all. There was no grievance, sadness, or anger at all. He was as calm as ever. Even the words he had just said did not have the slightest hint of bias. They were completely described in the third person as if they were not talking about him.
For some reason, Pei Yuan Shao and Shi Yunshu both fell silent. For a moment, the silence in the dining room was somewhat excessive.
Pei Ruoqing raised her hand to look at the watch on her wrist. She frowned and said," Dad, you and Brother should eat some more before going to work and school. I'm going to be late, so I'll be leaving first. You don't have to worry about this. I can handle it myself.”
"Why didn't you say anything last night? Why didn't you explain when your teacher and I asked you?”Pei Yuan Shao, who had been silent all this while, spoke with a hoarse voice.
Pei Ruoqing turned her head and said indifferently," Explain what? The school has a clear rule that fighting is prohibited. As the class monitor, I should take the lead and not make mistakes. Also, Wei Tiedai is indeed a teacher. From a student's point of view, it is indeed not right to talk to a teacher like that.”
" Little Ruo, this isn't how things should be settled. It was those students who attacked first and then spoke ill of you. If you still endure it and don't respond, that's called cowardice. There's also Wei Tiedai. Although he's a teacher and the Shi family rules state that you can't disrespect a teacher, those who respect others will always be respected. He shielded the wrong person and spoke ill of him. He's ashamed of being a teacher. Under such circumstances, he's not worthy of your respect.”Shi Yunshu softened his voice.
Pei Ruoqing lowered her eyes lightly." I understand. Thank you, Brother.”
" Yunshu, call Xiao Ruo's form teacher and ask for a day off," Pei Yuanshao suddenly said. He then stood up and looked at Pei Ruoqing." Xiao Ruo, come with me to the study."”Without waiting for the two of them to react, he turned around and left.
Pei Ruoqing looked at her father's lonely back and could not help but frown. Then, she followed Pei Yuanshao into the study.
Pei Yuan Shao carried Pei Ruoqing and stood by the window. When he heard Pei Ruoqing enter, he did not turn his head and only looked out the window silently.
" Dad…" Pei Ruoqing called out to Pei Yuanshao who had been silent all this while.
When Pei Yuanshao heard this, he turned around and looked at Pei Ruoqing. He said," Little Ruo, do you think that I am a failure and incompetent father?”
"Dad, it's not like that. I just think…"
Before Pei Ruoqing could finish, Pei Yuanshao continued," Isn't that so? "If I'm not wrong, this isn't the first time this has happened, right? It's not the first time they've said these words, and it's not the first time you've heard them, right? And you haven't told me even once.”
Pei Yuan Shao's voice carried an emotion that Pei Ruoqing could not understand, but it made him panic and at a loss. He did not want to see Pei Yuan Shao's disappointed and sad look.
" Father, it's not like that. I never thought of hiding it from you. It's just that it's not a pleasant thing to say. Besides…I haven't suffered any actual harm, right…?" Pei Ruoqing's expression remained calm, but there was a hint of bitterness that was hard to detect.
"So you also know that these words are not nice to hear, and it's not anything good either, but you don't have to say it to me, your father…"
Before Pei Yuan Shao could finish his words, he was interrupted by Pei Ruoqing. He raised his head and looked into Pei Yuan Shao's eyes," Does it matter if I say it or not?”
Pei Yuan Shao was stunned and looked at Pei Ruoqing. Pei Ruoqing continued to look at Pei Yuan Shao," Isn't what he said the truth? You and mother have never liked me. I know that.”
"Little Ruo, you…"
Pei Ruoqing lowered her head and no longer looked at Pei Yuan Shao. She continued," Do you and mother really not think that I am a jinx at all? You pushed my birthday back by seven days. It's the seventh day of my grandfather and grandmother's death. That's one reason. When I was born, I took away two of your closest relatives. You resent me and don't like me. Otherwise, you wouldn't have deliberately distanced yourself from me, and so would Mother.”
" Little Ruo, I…" Pei Yuan Shao's eyes instantly turned red.
"Dad, you don't have to comfort me. Actually…I can understand. If I lost two of my closest relatives on the day my child was born, I wouldn't be able to help but blame him. I can understand. You're already very good to me, and I'm very satisfied.”
Pei Ruoqing's gaze was too indifferent, and there was a deathly stillness in the desolation.
When Pei Yuan Shao heard these words, his tears instantly fell. Looking at Pei Ruoqing, he only felt a sharp pain in his heart. He almost did not dare to look at Pei Ruoqing. Although he had never mistreated Pei Ruoqing in terms of material things, he had never given her any warmth.
However, all material gifts could not compare to a little emotional charity.
Yes, charity. Actually, this child didn't want much, right? If only she could accompany him when he was young. However, when she found out the truth and wanted to make up for it, this child could no longer get close to him.
This was his child, and his blood flowed in him, but he had not invested any father-son relationship in him for eight years. Even though he thought that he had never treated the mother and son well, even better than most husbands and fathers, he could not hide the fact that he had only done his duty and had not invested his feelings into them.
Before Pei Ruoqing was eight years old, he had suspected that he was not his son. He did not want to hurt Shi Yuting's heart, so he had never done a paternity test. Later on, Shi Yuting revealed the truth before she died. Only then did he understand what he had missed. However, at that time, Pei Ruoqing became full of thorns because of Shi Yuting's death. No one could get close to her. The little child knew the meaning of death early on.
Later on, he tried all means to make up for it and was unwilling to be harsh on him. However, the father and son pair still went further and further away in the end.
Because of what happened back then and her teacher's death, Yuting was depressed all day long and wasn't passionate about Little Ruo. Little Ruo was the smartest and probably noticed it long ago, which was why he was like this…
He let out a deep breath and leaned forward to hug him." You're my son. How can I not like you?" Your mother wouldn't either. Every child is a parent's treasure. How could she not like them?”
Perhaps it was because these words were too soft and carried a hint of pampering. Regardless of whether it was true or not, the high wall that Pei Ruoqing had built up in her heart seemed to collapse in an instant and then collapse. Her tears were like a broken string of pearls, instantly dripping down.
Pei Yuan Shao heaved a sigh of relief. It was fine as long as he cried. His calm appearance was even more worrying.
Pei Yuan Shao rubbed the back of his head and softened his voice." Little Ruo, you are still a child. Live like a child and don't be too stressed.”
Was he going to live like a child? Pei Ruoqing was a little dazed. Was this even possible? In his past life and present life, he had lived for more than 20 years. He did not know what innocence was, nor did he know what a child's way of life was.
"Children should have the rights of children. Smile, act coquettishly, and ask for it. Even if I'm bullied after giving birth, I still have to tell you.”Pei Yuan Shao released him and said seriously. It had been so long, but he had never seen Pei Ruoqing smile. She did not have the energy that a child should have.
Pei Ruoqing did not know what to say. She only felt her heart throb violently and felt a little empty. She was at a loss.
After losing control of her emotions for a moment, Pei Ruoqing regained her calm appearance. If it wasn't for her wet eyelashes, Pei Yuanshao would have thought that it was his imagination.
Pei Yuan Shao saw that Pei Ruoqing had regained her composure so quickly and felt a little worried. However, he did not say anything. Some things could not be resolved in a day.
"Your homeroom teacher found yesterday's surveillance video and said that if we want to pursue the matter, she will definitely cooperate. I want to hear your thoughts. Tell me, what do you think?”
Pei Ruoqing took a deep breath and said," I asked Ansu yesterday to investigate Wei Tiedai and the Guo family. I didn't expect to find out a lot of things. I asked him to hand over the evidence to the relevant departments. Mine is a small matter and won't affect them too much. Whether they pursue it or not, Wei Tiedai and the Guo family will probably spend the rest of their lives in prison.”
Pei Yuanshao's expression was a little complicated." So, you didn't tell us what happened yesterday, but you told Ansu?" He was quite good to be able to find out so much in such a short time.”
Pei Ruoqing heard her father's strange tone and looked at him before continuing," Ansu has always been like this. He knows a lot about me. It's more appropriate for him to investigate this matter. If you investigate it, it'll inevitably be like taking revenge.”
Hmm, was that so? Know a lot of things? Did he know more than his father?
"What do you mean by taking revenge? My own son is being bullied, and if I don't react, then I'll be a father for nothing. Moreover, he wants to be clean.”
Pei Ruoqing was speechless.
Seeing Pei Ruoqing's strange gaze, Pei Yuanshao coughed lightly and waved his hand to chase her away." Alright, go back and rest first. I'll give your teacher a break later. I'll handle this matter.”
"Dad, I don't need…"
"Go back and rest first. I'll call the shots. I'll contact the chief of the police station and ask them to improve their efficiency so that you won't see that annoying thing again.”
Pei Ruoqing was speechless.
"Right, Dad, I have a Go match in a week. The match will be in Beijing and it will take about seven days.”
"When did you learn Go?"
"I always do. Have you forgotten that I played chess with Teacher before?”
Really." Where is the competition venue? Are you alone? Where will you be staying?" Pei Yuan Shao frowned and asked.
"I don't know the exact location of the competition yet. I just received news this morning that the organizers will pick me up at the airport and the hotel will be arranged.”
Pei Yuan Shao frowned even more when he heard this." We can't even confirm the exact location. Are you sure that the competition is real?”
"Sure. If you're still worried, you can check. It's a Go exchange competition with Country H and Country R. There won't be any problems.”
"That won't do either. How can a child like you go? Go back to your room first and verify it. If it's confirmed, I'll arrange for someone to send you there.”
Pei Ruoqing nodded and did not refute. She turned around and left the study.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]